NVIDIA’s new SHIELD TV is now compatible with Samsung SmartThings

Samsung’s SmartThings is a home automation platform that allows users to use one app for all their smart home devices, including devices that work cross-platform with not only Samsung’s Tizen OS but also Android, Windows, and iOS. When Samsung acquired SmartThings, the Korean giant promised to maintain its cross-platform compatibility – and Samsung’s cross-platform agenda hasn’t changed.

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV, powered by Google’s Android TV platform, making it an Android media streamer that offers the most advanced gaming and viewing experience available on the market. NVIDIA is well-known for its graphics processors and gaming devices (hence, NVIDIA SHIELD), and the new device performs as an all-in-one gaming and TV-viewing station.

The new device brings 4K HDR content (which now includes Amazon Video) and support for YouTube, VUDU, and Google Play Movies. With the new SHIELD TV, NVIDIA has expanded its game library to feature titles such as For Honor, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, and Watch Dogs 2, among others, with the goal of expanding its offering to games such as Shadowgun Legends, Tomb Raider, and The Witness. Additionally, a new AI home capability allows you to communicate with the device by way of voice command, similar to Google Home and Amazon Echo. Integration with Samsung SmartThings will arrive “in the coming months,” NVIDIA says, so don’t expect SmartThings compatibility right away.

“By seamlessly integrating great gaming, rich media content and AI, NVIDIA has established a whole new standard for streamers. With its broad mix of services and immaculate execution, SHIELD represents the future of home entertainment,” Creative Strategies President Tim Bajarin said.

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV comes with a TV remote and game controller, will have Google Assistant integration, and cost $199.99 later this month when it reaches the US, Canada, and certain European markets. A SHIELD PRO model featuring a TV remote, game controller, and 500GB of storage will arrive later this month as well, though the price is TBA.

Deidre Richardson has a strong background as a tech journalist, covering a little of everything before her love for Samsung blossomed. Having owned 9 Samsung smartphones (GS3, GS4 Active, GS5, Note 3, Galaxy S6 Active, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S7 Active, Galaxy Note 7) and 3 Samsung smartwatches (Galaxy Gear, Gear S, Gear S2) since 2012, she sees her love for Samsung and tech as two paths that are merging into one with each passing day. When she's not covering Samsung news, reviews, and how-tos, she's talking to family and friends on her Gear S2.